Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Simple assault

I received a notice for a preliminary hearing for simple assault 1 count,

harassment 1 count, disorderly conduct 1 count.

My boyfriend brought a women home from a bar, we had an altercation outside of my home. I asked her to leave she would not, we started arguing verbally then it became physical where we both ended up on the ground, when we hit the ground she sustained a laceration to her right eye, I had bruises and torn clothes.

The officers that filed this report had no contact with me that night. I felt threatened, provoked, also my boyfriend was trying to make me let her come in my home.

I have a gravity score of 1, the whole affidavit states incorrect place and information pertaining to the incident, my 15yr old son watched this from the window. What can I do, I feel these charges are false extremely exaggerated? I felt I had to protect my self. Can not afford my Lawyer right now would like to ask for a continuance, can I do this on my own? What else can I do? Could there be jail time if I were found guilty?

I need more time to prepare for this due to financial difficulties. I had no contact with the Officers that filed this report that evening, I received the charges in the mail 2 weeks later.

Thank you.


Asked on 5/23/07, 9:26 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Brian Zeiger Levin & Zeiger LLP

Re: Simple assault

You can ask for a continuance. The real issue though is whether you want to waive your preliminary hearing? If the judge denies your request for a preliminary hearing, then do you want to waiver your preliminary or have it go forward without a lawyer? These are tough questions. Have you thought of applying for a free lawyer? Sounds like you should.

Good Luck. Feel free to email [email protected] or call 215.825.5183. Brian.

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Answered on 5/23/07, 10:38 am


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